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Hampden man arrested on sex abuse charge

HAMDPEN, Maine — A local man has been arrested for sexual abuse of a minor, but police are releasing few details about the incident in order to protect the identity of the person assaulted.

Edward Smith, 37, who lives in the Hampden Trailer Park at 681 Main Road North, was arrested on the felony charge last Friday, after a police investigation spurred by a Department of Health and Human Services referral.

Hampden police Officer Joel Small, who investigated the sexual abuse case, said “a disclosure was made by a juvenile” to DHHS personnel, which led to the arrest of Smith.

To protect the victim’s identity, the officer would not release the gender or age of the victim, or say where he or she lived. Small was able to say the alleged incident happened in mid-November.

“The reason why it’s a Class C is that he’s at least 10 years older than the victim,” the officer said.

If convicted of the felony sexual abuse of a minor offense, Smith faces a penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. He also would be required to list himself in Maine’s Sex Offender Registry.

After his arrest, Smith was taken to Penobscot County Jail in Bangor and later was released at court.

“As part of his bail conditions, he’s not allowed to have contact with any juveniles, anyone under the age of 18,” Small said.

He is scheduled to appear before a Penobscot County Superior Court judge on Jan. 30.

Smith’s record shows only minor traffic violations, Small said.

Police are asking those with information about the case against Smith, or any other incidents involving the suspect, to call Officer Joel Small at the Hampden Police Department, at 862-4000.